Stump Grinding Debris Containment Structure

ABSTRACT

A stump grinding debris containment structure capable of absorbing the impact of propelled stump debris, constructed of a light-weight frame having pivotal support members and automatically foldable canvas panels which are further secured by a joint plate and various optional structures for additional stability, such as spiked or beveled members and eyelet appendages

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority, in part, to U.S. application Ser. No. 10/906,249 filed Feb. 10, 2005 and is a Continuing in Part Application.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to a field of portable shelters and collapsible structures, and in particular to a stable, portable barrier capable of withstanding the impact of tree stump grinding propelled at a high velocity during the stump grinding process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a stump grinding debris containment structure being used with a stump grinding system to protect against stump grinding debris.

FIG. 2 a illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the frame of a stump grinding debris containment structure.

FIG. 2 a illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing spike component.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a canvas panel.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a front view of an optional eyelet appendage.

FIG. 4 b illustrates a side view of an optional eyelet appendage.

33FIGS. 5 a, 5 b and 5 c illustrate various front view of an optional joint plate to which straight poles may be attached.

BACKGROUND

Tree stumps are generally removed by specially designed tools and systems known as “stump grinders.” Generally, a stump grinder is stand-alone power tool or equipment attachment that removes a tree stump by using a cutting disk that rotates at a high speed, and which may have specially designed teeth, to grind the stump and underground roots into small chips. Most accomplish their task by means of a high-speed disk with specially designed teeth that grind the stump and underground roots into small chips.

A typical stump grinder incorporates a cutter wheel with fixed carbide teeth. The cutter wheel movements are controlled by hydraulic cylinders to push the cutter wheel through the stump and to raise and lower the cutter wheel. Stump grinders and stump grinding systems come in a variety of sizes, ranging from the size of a lawn mower to that of a large truck.

Because stump grinders operate at a high speed, a typical stump grinding process causes the wood and other debris to be propelled at a velocity sufficient to cause injury and property damage.

A particular hazard is presented when stones, metal and other objects are embedded in the tree stump and the surrounding earth. These objects are difficult to detect and are often propelled at a high speed during the stump-grinding process.

It is desirable to have an apparatus that can contain dangerous stump grinding debris, as it is propelled, to avoid injury to people and property during the stump-grinding process.

It is further desirable to have a system for containing stump grinding debris which is light-weight and portable, and thus can be easily moved from one stump grinding location to another.

It is also desirable to have a portable stump grinding apparatus containment structure which can be transported in a vehicle with limited storage space, and which is lightweight.

GLOSSARY

As used herein, the term “canvas panel” means any structure which may or may be constructed of canvas, mesh, plastic, fabric, padding, screening or other natural or synthetic material, which is capable of being mounted to a frame to form one or more sides of a barrier structure for stump grinding debris. In various embodiments a canvas panel emulates canvas which is sufficiently flexible to absorb the impact of propelled stump debris without causing the debris to bounce off the surface of the canvas panel or ricochet. A canvas panel is tear resistant, weather resistant and light weight. A canvas panel may be foldable at various points, including but not limited to along its center line or along multiple horizontal or vertical lines, thus compressing the size of the canvas panel for storage. A canvas panel may be selectively attached.

As used herein, the term “stump debris” means any material or matter displaced or propelled during the stump grinding process such as wood fragments and chips, dirt, stones, pebbles, concrete, asphalt, cans, metal fragments, trash or other debris of any material or composition.

As used herein, the term “frame structure” means any stable structure consisting of one or more substantially straight poles which supports a canvas panel and is capable of withstanding the impact of propelled stump debris. A frame structure may consist of straight poles which are selectively attachable or movable to allow for folding, collapse and storage of the frame structure. A frame structure may be light weight (e.g., ten pounds or less) and may be weather resistant. In various embodiments the poles may be slightly arcuate, but must support the canvas members in an upright position.

As used herein, the term “pivot” means a movement of any distance along an axis of rotation. A pivotal motion may result in a movement or rotation form one to 180 degrees.

As used herein, the term “pivotally attached” means attached in a manner so as to pivot, as defined herein

As used herein the term “midpoint” means the approximate center or near the center of a structure, or within center one-third of the length of the structure.

As used herein, the term “straight pole” means a hollow or solid support structure which may be tubular, non tubular, or rounded for supporting a canvas panel in a substantially straight or upright position. In various embodiments, a straight pole may spiked at one or both ends, pointed or beveled. A straight pole may be slightly arcuate in shape, rigid or flexible.

As used herein, the term “stabilizing structural component” means structure to add stability to a stump grinding debris containment structure including but not limited to a spiked end of straight pole, a detached spike which is tethered, a beveled or tapered edge for breaking and being embedded in the ground, a weight, a shovel-type edge, a plate to which force can be applied via a foot or hammer tool, a horizontal stabilizing structure, a rounded base, a solid base appendage or any other stabilizing structural component or means known in the art

As used herein, the term “pocket channel” means a channel formed by folding an edge of a canvas panel or adding material to the outer edge of a panel to form a pocket or channel through which a straight pole may be inserted or partially inserted.

As used herein, the term “eyelet” means a hole, perforation or aperture used to insert a straight pole or other structural component of a frame, which may or may not be reinforced by a surrounding material such as metal or plastic. For example, an eyelet may be reinforced with a metal ring, or may also be used for fastening a cord, spike, weight or hook.

As used herein; the term “eyelet appendage” means a structural component such as a piece of fabric or plastic which contains an eyelet

As used herein, the term “joint” or “joint plate” means a structure which connects two or more straight poles at a common structural component. The straight poles may be fixed to the joint or joint plate, or attached so that they move or pivot. In one embodiment, the joint plate is constructed of two interlocking plate halves, which are hinged and pivotally attached. In various embodiments a joint plate may be a singly molded piece, one or more pieces connected by a lynch pin or hinge or a rotating member constructed around a central axis to which poles are attached.

As used herein, the term “propelled stump debris” means debris which is propelled or moved during the stump grinding process.

As used herein, the term “high velocity propelled stump debris” means stump debris which travels a distance of several inches or feet.

As used herein, the term “selectively attached” means a component which can be attached or detached without damaging a device.

A rivet is a mechanical connection means having a cylindrical shaft and having at least one protruding head which can support heavy loads perpendicular to the axis of the shaft.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The stump grinding debris containment structure disclosed herein is a portable, stable structure which withstands the impact of and contains the debris which is generated and propelled during the stump grinding process. The stump grinding debris containment structure contains impact-resistant panels mounted to a collapsible frame which form a highly stable, multiple-sided structure capable of withstanding the impact of debris propelled during the stump grinding process. In various embodiments, the stump grinding debris containment structure may include a collapsible frame, each comprised of a semi-flexible, light-weight having strong panels supported by a frame comprised of straight pole members may be spiked or pointed at one end to allow the them to be driven into the ground to increase the stability of the stump grinding debris containment structure. The stump grinding debris containment structure may further include optional eyelet appendages attached to the canvas panels with eyelets through which the straight poles are inserted to strengthen the attachment of the canvas panels to the frame and straight poles, and to provide further support and stability for the frame e and straight poles. Further embodiments of said stump grinding debris containment structure may include specially constructed joint members which include a joint plate to which straight poles are secured, movable, pivotally attached or partially pivotal at one end to facilitate assembling, closing collapsing and compressing the stump grinding debris containment structure for assembly, use, storage and transport. In various embodiments, the structural components of the stump grinding containment apparatus disclosed herein can be selectively disassembled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, references are made in the text hereof to embodiments of a stump grinding debris containment structure. It should nevertheless be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are thereby intended. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that modifications such as the dimensions, size, and shape of the components, alternate but functionally similar materials from which the an electronic lighted die is made, and the inclusion of additional elements are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the written description do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Some of these possible modifications are mentioned in the following description. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed apparatus or manner.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In addition, in the embodiments depicted herein, like reference numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or near identical structural elements.

Moreover, the term “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. For example, one embodiment of a stump grinding debris containment structure may have more or fewer canvas panels or straight poles or sides or may be or a be configured in a dome-like or other geometric shape. Various embodiments may include storage cases, handles or other mechanisms to transport and/or store a stump grinding debris containment structure more efficient or may include fewer or additional support members and still be within the scope of the invention if its functionality is not materially altered.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same elements or components. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The invention includes any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and described methods and further applications of the principles of the invention which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a stump grinding debris containment structure 100 in use in an upright and assembled position (“upright position). The embodiment shown includes canvas panels 10 a 10 b and 10 c each of which forms a side of the structure of stump grinding debris structure 100, which may include any number of sides or configuration of canvas panels adapted to contain stump debris. Panel 10 c is not visible in FIG. 1. Canvas panels 10 a 10 b and 10 c are supported by frame structure 20, which is only partially visible in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 further shows stump grinding apparatus 88. Canvas panels 10 and frame structure 20 are sufficiently stable to maintain their structure when hit be stump debris flying at a high velocity, yet stump panels 10 are flexible enough to avoid a bounce or rebound effect which would cause the stump debris to ricochet as it would if hitting a rigid surface.

FIG. 2 a illustrates an exemplary embodiment of frame structure 20, which consists of a plurality of straight poles 22 (e.g., 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d, 22 e, 22 f, 22 g, 22 i, 22 j, 22 k, 22 l and 22 m) which are pivotally joined at midpoints 24 a, 24 b, 24 c and 24 d at an angle to form a collapsible, frame structure which opens and closes when straight poles 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d and 22 e are pivoted at their mid-points. FIG. 2 illustrates frame structure 20 in an open and extended position. In the embodiment shown, various embodiments of frame structure 20 may include more or fewer straight poles 22 and midpoints 24. In the embodiment shown, straight poles. 22 (e.g., 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, 22 d, 22 e, 22 f, 22 g, 22 i, 22 j, 22 k, 22 l and 22 m) have apertures and which are pivotally joined with midpoint rivets 24 a, 24 b, 24 c and 24 d include with rivets, but can be joint by any form of linchpin, screw or bolt know in the art which may act as an axis for straight poles 22 to pivot or partially pivot. In the embodiment shown, straight poles may be pivoted from zero to ninety-five degrees.

Straight poles 22 may be constructed of any suitable flexible, resilient material, such as PVC or other plastic, aluminum, steel or wood. In various embodiments straight pole 22 may be pointed or spiked at one end so that straight pole 22 can be embedded into the ground or other surface to support stump grinding debris structure 100. In the embodiment shown, straight poles 22 and midpoint rivets 24 a, 24 b, 24 c and are made of steel.

FIG. 2 b illustrates an alternate embodiment of straight pole 22 which includes and additional stabilizing structural component is spiked to be easily driven into the ground. In alternate embodiments, straight pole 22 may include other structural stabilizing components. For example, straight pole 22 may include a beveled edge, a tapered edge, with a sharp, flatted edge to penetrate ground (e.g., like a shovel) “stabilizing structural component” means structure to add stability to a stump grinding debris containment structure including but not limited to a spiked end of straight pole, a detached spike which is tethered, a beveled or tapered edge for breaking and being embedded in the ground, a weight, a shovel-type edge, a plate to which force can be applied via a foot or hammer tool, a horizontal stabilizing structure (such a horizontal leg or protuberance), a rounded base or structure, a solid base appendage or any other stabilizing structural component or means known in the art

Straight poles may additionally include apertures to allow them to be tethered to the ground (e.g., with detached spikes), or weights which may be detached or selectively attached.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a canvas panel 10. In the embodiment shown, canvas panel 10 is constructed of a loosely woven polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic coated polyester spaced at approximately 3/16th inch vertically and 1/16th inch horizontally. In the embodiment shown, canvas panel 10 surrounded on three sides with a canvas borders 31 a, 31 b, and 31 c, which are constructed by folding the corresponding outer edges of canvas panel 10 to create a lengthwise pocket channel 34 a and width-wise pocket channels 34 b and 34 c. In the embodiment shown, lengthwise pocket channel 34 a which is open ends (35 a and 35 b). Open ends 34 a and 34 b serve as apertures allowing access to lengthwise pocket channel 34 a, which retains a frame members (not shown) which can be inserted during or after the manufacturing of assembly process of stump grinding debris containment structure 100. This secures the canvas panel 10 to framework 20 (shown in FIG. 2).

FIG. 4 a illustrates a front view of an optional component of embodiment of canvas panel 10, which is eyelet appendage 33 at the one end of lengthwise pocket channel 34 a. In the embodiment shown eyelet appendage is attached to canvas panel 10 by stitching or adhesive. Eyelet appendage includes which include at least one eyelet aperture 37 which are a hole allowing a straight pole 22 to pass. In various embodiments, eyelet appendage may be constructed of elastic, canvas, plastic, fabric or metal, and may be present in any number and may be attached to canvas member 10 at various points.

FIG. 4 b illustrates a side view of optional component of embodiment of canvas panel 10, which includes eyelet appendage 33.

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b and 5 c illustrate optional framework joint 50 present in various embodiments of the invention to connect straight poles 22 at upper ends to allow straight poles 22 (22 a, 22 b and 22 c) to pivot into an open and closed position. In the embodiment shown, straight poles 22 are attached to connecting plate 55 by screws, lynch pins, structurally molded components or threaded components. Alternatively, straight poles may be permanently attached to connecting plate 55. In the embodiment shown, connecting plate 55 includes apertures to accommodate screws, lynch pins or other attachment means. In the embodiment shown, straight poles 22 a, 22 b and 22 c contain apertures and are affixed to joint plate 55 by rivets 57 (57 a, 57 b and 57 c). In the embodiment shown, straight poles 22 a, 22 b and 22 c are non-movable attached by rivets to provide stability for the frame when it is hit by high-velocity propelled stump debris. In alternate embodiments, screws, bolts, lynch pins or any equivalent attachment means may be used in place or in combination with rivets.

The straight poles may be fixed to the joint or joint plate, or attached so that they move or pivot. In the embodiment shown, the joint plate is constructed of two interlocking plate halves (55 a, 55 b), which are hinged and pivotally attached. In various embodiments a joint plate may be a singly molded piece, one or more pieces connected by a lynch pin or hinge or a rotating member constructed around a central axis to which poles are attached.

In the embodiment shown straight pole 22 b are attached to in between joint plates 55 a and 55 b. Straight poles 22 a and 22 c are attached at alternate front and back surfaces of joint plate 55, but straight poles may be attached to joint plate at various points, in an affixed or pivotal manner. 

1. A stump grinding debris containment structure comprised of: at least one canvas panel adapted to absorb the impact of high-velocity propelled stump debris; a support frame to which said at least one canvas panel is mounted comprised of a plurality of straight poles joined at a midpoint; and a joint plate to which at least two of said plurality of straight poles are pivotally attached.
 2. The stump grinding debris containment structure of claim 1 wherein said straight poles include at least one stabilizing structural component selected from a group consisting of a spiked end, a detached spike which is tethered to a said frame, a straight pole with a beveled edge, a straight pole with a tapered edge for breaking adapted for being embedded in the ground, a weight, a plate to which body weight is applied, a surface which may be struck with a hammer tool, a horizontal stabilizing leg, a rounded base component, a solid base appendage or any combination thereof.
 3. The stump grinding debris containment structure of claim 1 wherein said canvas panel is constructed of a material selected from a group consisting of canvas, cloth, plastic, PVC plastic, mesh, metal screen material, plastic screen material, webbing, padded material, foam, nylon or other material.
 4. The stump grinding apparatus of claim 6 wherein said canvas panel is comprised of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic coated polyester spaced at 2/16th to inch 4/16 inches vertically and 1/16th to 3/16 inches horizontally.
 5. The stump grinding apparatus of claim 1 wherein said straight pole is constructed of a material selected from a group consisting of plastic, PVC plastic, aluminum, steel, iron, wood and metal alloy.
 6. The stump grinding debris containment structure of claim 1 which further includes at least one eyelet appendage.
 7. The stump grinding debris containment structure of claim 1 which wherein said stump grinding debris containment structure is less than twelve inches when collapsed.
 8. The stump grinding debris containment structure of claim 1 which wherein said frame is comprised of a plurality of straight poles, each pivotally attached to at least one other straight pole at the midpoint of each of said at least straight pole, and each of said straight poles is and is further pivotally attached at the upper end of said at least one straight pole to at least one joint plate.
 9. A stump grinding debris containment structure comprised of: at least one canvas panel adapted to absorb the impact of propelled stump debris and high-velocity propelled stump debris; a support frame to which said at least one canvas panel is mounted comprised of a plurality of straight poles joined at a midpoint wherein each of said straight poles is pivotally attached to another of each of said plurality of straight poles at its midpoint to enable the frame to be folded by moving each of said straight poles closer to each other; and wherein said at least one straight pole is further pivotally attached at the upper end of said at least one straight pole to at least one joint plate.
 10. The stump grinding debris containment structure of claim 9 wherein said support frame is comprised of a plurality of straight poles at least one of which is non-pivotally attached at one end to a joint plate.
 11. The stump grinding debris containment structure of claim 11 wherein said canvas panels fold when said straight poles are moved toward each other so the said stump grinding debris containment structure can be collapsed for storage.
 12. The stump grinding debris containment structure of claim 9 wherein said straight poles include at least one stabilizing structural component selected from a group consisting of a spiked end, a detached spike which is tethered to a said frame, a straight pole with a beveled edge, a straight pole with a tapered edge for breaking adapted for being embedded in the ground, a weight, a horizontal stabilizing leg, a rounded base component, a solid base appendage or any combination thereof.
 13. The stump grinding debris containment structure of claim 9 wherein said canvas panel is constructed of a material selected from a group consisting of canvas, cloth, plastic, PVC plastic, mesh, metal screen material, plastic screen material, webbing, padded material, foam, nylon or other material.
 14. The stump grinding apparatus of claim 9 wherein said canvas panel is comprised of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic coated polyester spaced at 2/16th to inch 4/16 inches vertically and 1/16th to 3/16 inches horizontally.
 15. The stump grinding apparatus of claim 9 wherein said straight pole is constructed of a material selected from a group consisting of plastic, PVC plastic, aluminum, steel, iron, wood and metal alloy.
 16. The stump grinding debris containment structure of claim 9 which further includes at least one eyelet appendage.
 17. The stump grinding debris containment structure of claim 9 which wherein said stump grinding debris containment structure is less than twelve inches in diameter when collapsed.
 18. The stump grinding debris containment structure of claim 1 which wherein said frame is comprised of a plurality of said at lea of hollow straight poles and said stump grinding debris containment structure weighs less than fifteen pounds.
 19. A stump grinding debris containment structure comprised of: a support frame to which said at least one canvas panel is mounted comprised of a plurality of straight poles joined at a midpoint wherein each of said straight poles is pivotally attached to another of each of said plurality of straight poles at its midpoint to enable the frame to be folded by moving each of said straight poles closer to each other and wherein said at least one straight pole is further pivotally attached at the upper end of said at least one straight pole to at least one joint plate; and at least one canvas panel adapted to absorb the impact of propelled stump debris and high-velocity propelled stump debris wherein said canvas panel folds at its midpoint when each of said straight poles is moved closer to each other.
 20. The stump grinding debris containment structure of claim 1 wherein said straight poles include at least one stabilizing structural component selected from a group consisting of a spiked end, a detached spike which is tethered to a said frame, a straight pole with a beveled edge, a straight pole with a tapered edge for breaking adapted for being embedded in the ground, a weight, a horizontal stabilizing leg, a rounded base component, a solid base appendage or any combination thereof. 